AS Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster moves into its 20th anniversary year, the Cumbria-based Business Cluster continues on an upward trend with a growth rate of close to 11 per cent and increasing engagement from its members.

Dianne Richardson, CEO of BECBC, said: “We have seen unprecedented growth this year, across sectors and business sizes, welcoming new members every month.

"In addition, our members are more engaged than ever. I don’t say this lightly.

"Looking over the last year, we have seen more members involved in our sector groups and showcases and a high level of engagement in terms of participation during member meetings.

"This is great news, not just for us, but for members and our business community here in Cumbria and a wonderful way to start 2023, which is also our 20th anniversary year!”

Asked how this growth has come about, Jutta Devenish, PR consultant to BECBC said: “A lot of the growth is down to the very personal engagement of the cluster’s leadership team, from the CEO to the Board of Directors and the Shadow Board.

"Organisations like BECBC who leverage the fact that they have a diverse team of people who are committed to adding value to their stakeholders will always be attractive to others.

"We can see this in person through the energy in the room at the member meetings, we can see this in team meetings, and we can see this online via the cluster’s website and social media channels.

"People who know BECBC, and more importantly, know the team behind it, enjoy engaging with the cluster and want to be part of the conversation.

"Ultimately, they want to be part of real conversations and real business opportunities throughout the region.”

Founded in 2003, Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) started when six companies based in West Cumbria and part of Sellafield's Supply Chain came together to have regular monthly meetings to stay informed about what was happening in West Cumbria and to do business together.

At the heart of BECBC’s work is collaboration for the purpose of good business and value for customers and the wider community.

These aims helped members weather the storms of the credit crunch in 2008-9, ignited members support for the people of Chernobyl and Fukishima and more recently helped support members through the Covid 19 pandemic.

The cluster has developed into a strong business advocate in the North with over 250 members involved in almost 30 sectors.

2023 is BECBC’s 20th anniversary year and members will be celebrating throughout the year with a variety of activities which will see the community involved and supported throughout.

Dianne Richardson said: “Collaboration, for us is about more than business, it is about everyone working together to create value across the community we work in.

"I am looking forward to seeing our members doing just that in their own unique way in 2023.”